Abstract:
The tundra ecosystem lies under threat. Increased numbers of breeding geese, caused by changes in European land use and bird protection measures, may damage the vulnerable tundra vegetation. Examples of this damage are already apparent in the Canadian Arctic. Also climate change may cause changes in the system. The FRAGILE project studies the possible effects of climate change and increased numbers of breeding geese on the tundra in Svalbard.

Purpose:
* To provide an understanding of why goose numbers change. * To predict future habitat and land use changes that will affect goose populations. * To predict future changes in the numbers of geese. * To identify tundra ecosystem processes which are most vulnerable to the combined drivers of high goose grazing pressure and climatic warming. * To determine thresholds for arctic tundra ecosystem degradation. * To predict carrying capacity of Svalbard tundra for geese and potential effects of likely future goose populations. * To integrate the research with stakeholder objectives and areas of responsibility.

Geographic Coverage

Spatial coordinates

N: 80.0

S: 76.3

E: 20.5

W: 11.15

Data Set Citation

Dataset Originator/Creator:
Ad Huiskes

Dataset Title:
FRAGILE

Dataset Release Place:
The Netherlands

Dataset Publisher:
Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ)